Hala Helm
Strategic Health Care Risk Advisor
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United States
Listeners will gain a clear understanding of key definitions such as sexual misconduct, assault, boundary violations, and exploitation within behavioral health settings. Presenters Hala Helm, Strategic Healthcare Risk Advisor, Marsh and Robin Bell, Healthcare Safety Consultant, MMA highlight the unique vulnerabilities patients face due to therapeutic dependency and power imbalances, as well as grooming behaviors by perpetrators and institutional challenges like inadequate screening and supervision. They also also address the troubling prevalence of sexual misconduct, significant underreporting, and the complex barriers victims encounter when coming forward, including fear of disbelief, retraumatization, and confidentiality concerns. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of trauma-informed, victim-centered investigative approaches to improve accuracy and victim cooperation.
This webcast is essential for professionals involved in behavioral health or healthcare risk management because it provides practical guidance on best practices for handling sexual misconduct allegations. It stresses the need for empathetic frontline staff training, the use of third-party investigators to minimize bias, and thorough documentation and mandatory reporting to licensing boards and authorities. By listening, professionals will learn how to enhance safety protocols, conduct unbiased investigations, and reduce institutional liability, ultimately fostering a safer and more ethical behavioral health care environment. The insights shared empower organizations to better protect patients, support victims, and address the systemic challenges that contribute to sexual misconduct in behavioral health settings.
Strategic Health Care Risk Advisor
United States
Healthcare Safety Consultant
United States